Christmas is right around the corner, and that means there’s just a few more weeks to prepare gifts for your friends. Buying gifts for friends can be stressful because one wants to show them that he or she cares about them while sticking to a tight budget. These times are tough for many families, especially during a pandemic, so gift giving is definitely going to be altered in comparison to previous years. But, there are plenty of ways to ensure this year is both merry and bright despite the circumstances.

One of the more sentimental gifts that can be given are ones that are homemade. These could be things like paintings, homemade masks, jewelry, or other small things that can be made at home for little to no cost. One can find ways to make masks through the CDC in order to ensure the quality of the gift that is meant to be given. These gifts are sentimental and show others that you care enough to take the time to make them something. There are many tutorials on the internet that can guide you through the process of making such items.

Another cheaper option is to utilize the sales as businesses try to get back into the black. Even after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many businesses still give out a lot of deals. Larger businesses like Target, Marshalls, and JCPenny, are trying to clear out their stock as new trends emerge along with the new year.

Candles are also a good choice with the current state of events. Everyone enjoys something that can make their space smell good during the holidays. Holiday inspired candles that can be found at places like Bath and Body Works can be the perfect gift. If they can’t smell the candle however, it can also be an early symptom of the Coronavirus. This early symptom could allow them to stay home and get tested which would prevent further spread of the virus, and possibly save Christmas. Therefore a candle can be two gifts in one. 

During this period of time, however, malls aren’t the best choice when it comes to shopping for friends and family. As more people flood to the malls in search for the perfect gift, there is a greater risk of unnecessary exposure. This exposure, in the end, would make it so nobody can gather for Christmas. Therefore, if Christmas is going to be saved this year, everyone should continue to practice with safety in mind.

Instead of giving gifts, groups of friends can go on outings and enjoy each other’s company (while being socially distanced, of course). Material items aren’t always the answer when expressing gratitude. Some people appreciate time more than they do objects. In that case, a good idea would be to create a picnic of many different foods each made (or carried-out) by a different friend. If proper safety measures are taken, this could be a really fun activity to reconnect with friends that have been separated due to online school.

To stay in the spirit of Christmas, groups of friends or family members can get together and make Christmas cookies virtually. To make things even more interesting the group can make cookies from all over the world, while taking great appreciation for the cultures in which they originate, so it can also be a learning experience. One can find many examples of holiday cookies from around the world all over the internet or find cookies passed down through families to share with friends. Each person can send some cookies to each other in order to appreciate the event after it has passed.

If gathering or giving gifts aren’t an option, one can show appreciation for their friends in  ways that don’t involve either. In the social media age, one can post pictures of their friends with heartfelt messages. A lot of people don’t realize how much their friends will appreciate the smaller things. This shows them that their friends are thinking of them even when they aren’t close.

Similarly to what many people did during Thanksgiving, a good idea would be to host a group of friends on Zoom. Many people can’t actually gather at this time because of the restrictions that are put in place. There are plenty of fun activities that can be done over the internet. 

One example of this would be to do very similar things that could happen in person. This could consist of making cookies, sitting down to meal together, or opening presents that have been mailed to others houses. This could also be in the manner of secret Santa, where each person has to guess who gave each person which gift over that zoom call. 

Other things that groups can do over the internet is play video games. Many people have access to things like a computer, Xbox, or PlayStation. It has become so easy to interact on the internet that meeting in game is a completely plausible option for Christmas. If that type of game isn’t something that sounds fun, there are many board games that are also available online like Cards Against Humanity.

This year is going to be much different from anything we have experienced in the past, but that doesn’t mean that this year can’t be just as great. During such trying times it is important to acknowledge everything that one has. Appreciate the people within one’s life, because they could be lost at any time. Christmas is the time to be appreciative of the world in ways that are beyond materialistic qualities.